The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “Helping Hands” volunteers delivered bread and water, and helped residents clean up after the June 7th worst-ever rainstorm that caused devastating floods and landslides that cut road access and water supplies to Tai O in Lantau Island.

While water was being brought in by vessel to Tai O pier around the clock by the government, the elderly, particularly those who live by themselves, found it difficult to walk to the pier for water or to stores for bread.

Thirty-four volunteers from the Church traveled to Tai O on Lantau Island on June 11th to bring a little sunshine to the disaster-struck islanders. They brought with them 100 loaves of bread and 100-5 liter bottled water for approximately 90 single seniors.

One 85-year-old woman, whose mobility is limited by five operations, remarked, “Boy, the bread smells so good, I haven’t had any bread for days.” She was so delighted to see concerned visitors in her home. She mentioned that her family lived far from her, and she is seldomly visited.

Dressed in bright yellow “LDS Helping Hands” vests, the volunteers also worked on clearing up houses blocked by the mud flows. In some houses the water had risen waist high. It took two teams of 10 strong men working 4 hours to remove mud and debris out of two houses and yards.

One 19-year-old volunteer expressed that while he was tired from his efforts of the day he could sleep well that night knowing he had given his best to someone who needed a helping hand.

On June 13th, another 50 Latter-day Saints missionaries would continue the clean-up efforts. These efforts are being organized by Elder Stanley Wan, head of Latter-day Saints Charities, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society in Tai O.